Show Notes
Holly Willoughby sits down with campaigner Nellie Gbadebo, a 29-year-old mum of three from Kent, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 26 after her symptoms were initially dismissed. Nellie shares what it was like to be put into a medically induced menopause while raising three children under three, and how she now campaigns to raise awareness of women's cancers. She also runs Touchy-Feely, a community interest company that amplifies the voices of women affected by cancer, particularly those from underrepresented ethnic groups.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Coming up
0:53 Welcome, Nellie
1:32 Finding the first lump
4:35 A second lump and the GP appointment
7:11 Why cancer is taboo in Black and Brown communities
7:59 The biopsy and the wait for results
10:22 The diagnosis: stage 2, grade 3
17:47 Menopause at 26
22:18 Treatment with three children under three
24:38 AD: Voy
25:06 Chemo: the "red devil"
31:57 Beauty, sticker brows and feeling like herself
36:15 Explaining it to the children
39:08 Radiotherapy and advice that didn't fit
44:23 Founding Touchy-Feely and working with the NHS
50:12 How Nellie is now
51:45 Letters from Joseph and Evelyn
HELP AND SUPPORT:
If you have been affected by anything in this episode, please see the support links below. You are not alone.
NHS: information about breast cancer in women and men
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/
Breast Cancer Now: specialist breast cancer information and support, including access to breast care nurses and a free helpline
https://www.breastcancernow.org
Macmillan Cancer Support: emotional, practical and financial support for people affected by cancer, including family and friends
Cancer Research UK: trusted information about breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and research
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org
CoppaFeel!: breast awareness charity with guidance on checking your breasts or chest and recognising potential signs and symptoms
Black Women Rising: culturally sensitive cancer support for Black women and women of colour, including peer support, events and community programmes
https://www.blackwomenrisinguk.org
Cancer Black Care: cancer support for people from Black and ethnically diverse communities, including emotional and practical support for patients, families and carers
https://www.cancerblackcare.org.uk
Breast Cancer Awareness Toolkit (BCAT): culturally tailored and multilingual breast cancer information, particularly supporting Black African, Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities
Asian Women Cancer Group: support and community for Asian women affected by cancer, founded by women with personal experience of breast cancer
https://www.asianwomencancergroup.co.uk
Touchy-Feely: a community supporting Black women affected by cancer through culturally relevant education, storytelling, holistic support and rehabilitation programmes
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Follow Nellie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelliegbadebo/
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